> I never found lectures to be particularly useful anyway.

Nor I. You and I are not the norm (evidence: we are on HN).

But I have taught in a community college in rural/bluecollar area where the only hope that some students had of breaking out of their apathetic, educationally-clueless family/community was to have instructor(s) who mentored them - that is connected personally.

Being present in class was not sufficient for them to transcend the crippling effects of their upbringings. But it was the first (and necessary) step for those without other mentors in their lives.

[ Apologies for any arrogant sound in the above. Calling it like I have seen it. ]